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E36 (1991 - 1999) The E36 chassis 3-Series BMW was a huge hit among driving enthusiasts from the first moment the car hit the pavement. The E36 won numerous awards over the years it was produced and is still a favorite of many BMW enthusiasts to this day! -- View the E36 Wiki

What part did you heat up? You're supposed to heat the pipe it's in, not the nut/sensor. Expand the outside part, not the piece that's in it. Heat the pipe and the fitting the O2 sensor screws into RED hot, but try to keep the heat off the sensor itself as much as possible, then go after the sensor with Vice-Grips as tight as you can apply them. This will probably be best done with the pipes OUT OF THE CAR.

You could probably have an exhaust shop cut it out and weld a new bung in place. It should cost like $20 for labor and a new o2 sensor can be had for ~ $50-100 depending on how mechanically inclined you are.

There is still enough there to bite if you use the right tool. Might try using a hammer and chisel or punch, whack the thing a few good times, and see if the shock will break it free. If you have a friend with an air compressor and an air chisel the sensor would be out in seconds.

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Cars are much more compact if you don't take them apart.

There is a theory which states that if anyone ever figures out how and why the universe came to exist it would instantly dissapear, and a less rational, more complicated one would replace it.

Hornhospital: I did burn the pipe but there were no redhot metals. These o2 sensors are old and are getting replaced so it doesnt matter if they get extra hot.

KaptinKP: I got the replacement Bosch o2 sensors for 75 bucks. All I'm trying to do is take the old ones off. And I would have no clue on how to remove the pipe. So I will leave that as my last resort.

petriej: I did use a bar to get better torque and it just kept slippin

RhymeGrime: I did and it fited perfectly but as I pulled it just ****ed it up. Then I tried the grips and that just made them worse.

jaguarx7: I do have an air compressor but not the tool, so Ill just go oldshool with the hammer and chisel.

drivinfaster what sup, thanks again for the help. I saw those sockets at autozone but didn't think either would help with such little room to use them. But I can defenatelly buy one and try it out .

veteran011: Lul

Everyone thanks for the help. Sorry I took a while to reply I spent the weekend at Dells, WI. I'll try all these tomorrow and report back with my findings.

The purpose of heating a stuck threaded joint is to expand the piece holding the part that's stuck in it. That will loosen the fit enough that hopefully the piece will unscrew, but you have to get the outside piece at minimum RED hot.. Keeping the heat on the outside part and off the sensor as much as possible keeps the sensor from expanding as much as the outer pipe.

By heating both pieces you were defeating the whole purpose of using heat. You just as well have not used the torch at all. I know you can't help getting the sensor hot to some extent, but concentrate the heat on the pipe.

I'm replacing the pre-cat o2 sensors this weekend. I'm gonna take this thread as a list of things to avoid. haha. good luck dude. KP may be on the right track though. dropping the mid-pipe will give you more clearance (and leverage) and hopefully let you get a better grip.